Congratulations Graduates!

More than 9,200 CSUN students will participate in commencement ceremonies and walk the steps of the Oviatt Library and the lawn at Manzanita Hall this week to have formal degrees bestowed upon them within the presence of family, friends, academic peers and mentors. We at the Oviatt Library say congratulations to all graduating seniors on your distinguished accomplishment. You’ve not only worked hard but we’re certain you and many family members have sacrificed to make the dream of a college education a reality. It has been an honor to share this path with you in the Library and witness your experiences of intellectual discovery. Sometimes this has meant supporting you in finding credible sources for a university-level research paper; assisting you in creating an accurate citation in MLA style; guiding you to find a course on Moodle; or perhaps just listening to your intellectual quandary which you usually resolved by yourself. And we appreciated your gratitude . . . thanking us for helping you along the way. So here’s a wish for the class of 2012: May you always continue to create situations in life for intellectual discovery and be present to the appreciation and sense of accomplishment you experience as you receive your degree.

This week CSUN graduates will have the opportunity to hear from several inspirational and accomplished speakers. Dr. Harry Hellenbrand, CSUN Interim President will be speaking at the Honors Convocation on Monday evening and Rebecca Mieliwocki, National Teacher of the Year will be speaking at the College of Education’s Commencement on Thursday evening. Please see the Commencement and Honors Convocation page for more details.

Many other inspirational speakers have shared their words of wisdom throughout the years during the commencement season and we thought to share a sampling of their quotes. The following are tweeted quotes from President Obama’s address at Barnard College. These and more can be found at the Huffington Post.

“Don’t accept someone else’s construction of the way things ought to be. It’s up to you…”

“As tough as things have been, I think you are tougher.”

“My last piece of advice is this simple…Persevere. Because nothing worthwhile is easy.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition … Stay hungry, Stay foolish.”

“I have two last pieces of advice. First, being pre-approved for a credit card does not mean you have to apply for it. And lastly, the best career advice I can give you is to get your own TV show. It pays well, the hours are good, and you are famous. And eventually some very nice people will give you a doctorate in fine arts for doing jack squat.”

Colbert also shared more serious advice.

“Cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or be disappointed in us. Cynics always say no … for as long as you have the strength to, say yes.”